Latest Follow-up Examination Research Articles

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures with a palmar locking plate.

Since 2006, we have been performing minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis with a palmar locking plate and without division of the pronator quadratus muscle for repairing distal radial fractures. The purpose of this study was to present the surgical technique we have developed and to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes. Twenty patients were treated with this technique between January and December 2007. The range of motion of the wrist and forearm, grip strength, and the quick disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand score were assessed at the latest follow-up examination, and postoperative complications were evaluated. The average ranges of flexion and extension of the wrist were 55° and 60°, respectively. The average ranges of supination and pronation of the forearm were 88° and 86°, respectively. The average grip strength of the treated side was 71% of that of the uninjured side. The average quick disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 13.4 points. No patient had loss of fracture reduction, implant failure, deep infection, or tendon or nerve problems. The small skin incisions of this technique are advantageous from the aesthetic viewpoint. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is one of the options for the treatment of distal radial fractures.

Total Hip Arthroplasty for Failed Treatment of Acetabular Fractures: A 5-Year Follow-Up Study

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains an available surgical option for failed treatment of acetabular fractures. We retrospectively analyzed 53 patients who underwent THA because of failed treatment of acetabular fractures. The mean duration of follow-up monitoring was 64 months (range, 32-123 months) in 49 patients. The average Harris hip score increased from 49.5 before surgery to 90.1 at the latest follow-up examination. Postoperative complications included 1 dislocation, 3 sciatic nerve injuries, and 3 class III instances of heterotopic ossification. There was only 1 revision due to aseptic loosening of the acetabular and femoral component. Despite the technically demanding nature of the procedure, the results of acetabular reconstruction are encouraging in these patients; complication rates are low, and patient satisfaction level is high.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Choroidal Hemangioma

Patients with choroidal hemangioma (CH), a benign ocular hamartoma, frequently presents with visual disturbance as a result of exudative retinal detachment (RD), which originates in subretinal fluid accumulation. We report our experience using the Leksell Gamma Knife in the management of symptomatic CH. Seven patients with symptomatic CH (circumscribed form in 3 patients and diffuse form in 4) were treated with the Leksell Gamma Knife at our institution during a 7-year period. All patients presented with exudative RD involving the macula that resulted in severe visual deterioration. The prescription dose to the target margin was 10 Gy in all cases. The mean tumor volume receiving the prescription dose was 536 mm3 (range, 151-1,057). The clinical data were analyzed in a retrospective fashion after a mean follow-up of 34.4 months (range, 9-76). The resolution of exudative RD was achieved within 6 months, and the visual acuity of the affected eye had improved at the latest follow-up examination (p=.018) in all patients. No recurrence of exudative RD occurred. Thinning of the CHs was observed in most patients; however, symptomatic radiation toxicity had not developed in any of the patients. Symptomatic CHs can be safely and effectively managed with Gamma Knife radiosurgery using a marginal dose of 10 Gy.

Etiology and Treatment of Pediatric Trigger Finger: Possible Application of Partial V-shaped Resection of the Central Part of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis through our Case Presentation

To the Editor, The purpose of this case presentation is to discuss the etiology and the efficacy of a standardized surgical technique in the treatment of symptomatic trigger fingers in pediatric patients. A 7-year-old boy complained that he could not extend the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of his left middle finger due to symptomatic locking and clicking, especially in the morning, for 4 months already. There was no obvious past history concerning his complaint except practicing the horizontal bar gymnastics as his sports activity. The X-ray films obtained at the initial consultation showed no abnormality of his middle finger. Corticosteroid (a total 0.3 ml of triamcinolone acetonide; Kenacort-A) was injected under the A1 pulley and splinting was carried out. As the symptom did not improve by this conservative treatment, we treated him surgically 3 months after his first consultation. During the surgery, no tightness or thickening of the A1 pulley was observed (Fig. 1a). After dividing the A1 pulley, an enlarged flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon due to adhesion between both FDS tendon slips was observed at the chiasma area (Fig. 1b, c). As triggering seemed to occur at the level of the FDS tendon decussation, the central part of both FDS tendon slips was resected (Fig. 1d). There was a specific tendon lesion, including fusiform thickening and inflammatory cellular infiltration (Fig. 2). He was able to extend the PIP joint through a full range. At the latest follow-up examination 1 year later, he had no complaints, and there were no serious complications such as nerve transaction, bowstringing, or recurrence. Although the etiology of symptomatic pediatric trigger finger in this patient was unclear, environmental factors such as chronic mechanical stress rather than congenital factors seemed to be the plausible cause. Previous reports concluded that pediatric trigger finger may be safely and predictably treated by surgical release of the proximal part of the A2 pulley in addition to the A1 pulley and resection of a single FDS tendon slip [1, 2]. We recommended partial V-shaped resection of the central part of FDS over ulnar superficialis slip resection in pediatric patients, because PIP flexion contracture does not seem to be a serious problem in the pediatric population compared to the adult one. Fig. 1 Intraoperative findings. a Neither tightness nor thickening of the A1 pulley was observed. The arrow shows the A1 pulley. b, c After dividing the A1 pulley, an enlarged FDS tendon due to adhesion between both FDS tendon slips was observed at the chiasma ... Fig. 2 Microphotograph of part of the FDS specimen showing fusiform thickening and inflammatory cellular infiltration

Les instabilités antérieures de l’épaule. Á propos de 50 cas

We performed 54 consecutive Latarjet procedures for the treatment of recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder between 1996 and 2005. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of the procedure. The procedure was performed for the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation in 51 shoulders, painful recurrent anterior subluxation in two cases and painful shoulder in one case. All patients had a radiographic evaluation before the operation and at the latest follow-up examination. At the time of the latest follow-up, none of the patients had recurrent dislocation. According to the system of Rowe, 51 (94 %) of the 54 shoulders had an excellent or good result. Fifty-one shoulders had no glenohumeral osteoarthrosis.

Post-traumatic coxa vara in children following screw fixation of the femoral neck

Background and purpose The rare displaced fractures of the femoral neck in children need accurate reduction and rigid fixation. The implants commonly used for internal fixation in children are pins or screws. We evaluated the long-term outcome in children who sustained fractures of the proximal femur that were treated by screw fixation.Patients and methods All 22 children (mean age 12 (5–16) years) with fractures of the femoral neck that were treated with screw fixation (mean 2.4 (1–3) screws) at our department between 1990 and 2006 were evaluated. For measurement of outcome, the Harris hip score (HHS) was used and the development of post-traumatic coxa vara was assessed from the difference in the neck-shaft angle postoperatively and at the latest follow-up examination, after mean 4 (2–15) years.Results A loss of reduction was observed in 12 patients. There was a statistically significant correlation between the HHS and the changes in the neck-shaft angle.Interpretation Loss of reduction was found in more than half of the children. Screw fixation cannot be recommended for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in children due to a substantial number of post-traumatic coxa vara.

Repair in osteonecrosis of the femoral head: MR imaging features at long-term follow-up

The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the progression of reparative changes in osteonecrosis of the femoral head over a long period of time, using both serial plain films and magnetic resonance (MR) images. The subjects were 25 patients with 33 hips affected by osteonecrosis, followed conservatively for more than 10 years (mean, 14.1; range, 10 to 23.4). At the latest follow-up examination, there were 11 hips at the non-collapse stage, 17 hips at the collapse stage where collapse has ceased, and five hips at the osteoarthritic stage. An increase in radiographic sclerosis of the lesion area was seen in 14 of 17 hips which showed cessation of collapse, 13 of which showed an intralesional area with intermediate signal intensity on fat suppression MR images. Four of five hips at the osteoarthritic stage also showed an intralesional area with intermediate signal intensity on fat suppression MR images. Ten of 11 hips at the non-collapse stage showed a normal fat signal intensity area demarcated with a low-signal-intensity band on T1-weighted MR images. In the 24 hips followed for more than 5 years with MR imaging (mean, 9.2; range, 5.9 to 13.8), changes of lesion size of abnormal signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images were not observed. In conclusion, reparative process was limited to the periphery of osteonecrosis over a long period of time unless collapse had occurred. If collapse had ceased minimally, the reconstructive repair process could be facilitated.

Behandlung des femoroazetabulären Impingements über den minimalinvasiven vorderen Zugang

Treatment of femoracetabular impingement to prevent or delay the development of secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. Improvement of the mechanical limitation of the range of motion of the hip joint. Pain-free movement of the hip. Femoroacetabular impingement including a cam impingement, a pincer impingement, as well as mixtures of both types. Osteoarthritis of the hip joint grades 1-3 according to Kellgren induced by a femoroacetabular impingement. Pincer impingement with the necessity of an osteotomy in acetabula malaligned in retroversion. Severe osteoarthritis grade 4 according to Kellgren. Hip infection. Supine position of the patient. Longitudinal incision of 5-6 cm in line with the medial border of the anterior superior iliac spine at the level of the greater trochanter, two thirds cranially and one third distally of the tip of greater trochanter. Minimally invasive anterior approach in a modified technique of the Smith-Petersen approach with cutting of the fascia and preservation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve running between the two layers of the fascia. Blind preparation between the sartorius muscle and the tensor fasciae latae muscle. Preparation and T-shaped opening of the joint capsule in the direction of the capsule fibers and the anterior iliofemoral ligament. Removal of additional bone mostly in the ventral area of the femoral neck with angled and straight chisels. Using different positions of the leg helps to reach the more medial and lateral areas of the femoral neck. A trimming of the acetabulum with or without refixation of the labrum in the anterior and anterocranial acetabular rim is also possible. Documentation using fluoroscopy. Wound closure. Prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis. Early functional mobilization with unlimited range of motion of the hip joint. The amount of weight bearing is influenced by the amount of bone resection during trimming. In most cases, full weight bearing is possible. In cases of extensive bone resection (more than one fourth of the femoral neck diameter), gradual increase of weight bearing over 6 weeks. After a follow-up of 15.5 +/- 6.8 months, 65 patients (20 female, 45 male; 70 hip joints) aged 40.2 +/- 11.3 years showed an improvement of the Oxford Hip Score from 34.3 +/- 9.8 points preoperatively to 16.3 +/- 11.0 points and of the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) Score from 60.8 +/- 23.1 points to 84.0 +/- 15.1 points at the latest follow-up examination. The impingement test was negative in all cases. In twelve cases, a temporary hypesthesia of the cranial innervation area of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was reported.

Behavior of Unrepaired Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect in Young Adults

The number of adolescents and young adults with congenital heart defects, including ventricular septal defect (VSD), increases continuously. We evaluated the mid-term outcome of small and unclosed perimembranous VSDs (pmVSDs). All patients with a known unrepaired pmVSD at 16 years of age were selected from our database. The clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic changes between baseline and the latest follow-up examination were compared. A total of 220 patients (119 males, median age 18 years, interquartile range 7) could be included. During a median follow-up of 6 years (interquartile range 4, range 38), 2 patients died (1%; 1 from sudden death and 1 from end-stage heart failure). Endocarditis occurred in 8 patients (4%). One patient required pacemaker implantation (0.5%) and one required implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation (1%). Fifteen patients (7%) required a closing procedure. In 8 patients (4%), the pmVSD closed spontaneously. In the remaining 203 patients (93%), the QRS morphology changed in 5% and 1% lost sinus rhythm (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.015, respectively). The left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume index increased from 62 + or - 7% to 67 + or - 8% and from 41 + or - 11 to 44 + or - 15 ml/m(2) (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.035, respectively), the end-systolic diameter decreased, and the end-diastolic diameter did not change. Finally, patients with an open pmVSD developed more pulmonary arterial hypertension during follow-up (from 3% to 9%, p = 0.002). In conclusion, mid-term follow-up of adolescents and young adults with a small and unrepaired pmVSD was not uneventful. Some patients required intervention, but in others, spontaneous closure occurred. Electrocardiographic and structural changes were noticed, for which the clinical significance needs to be determined.

Treatment algorithm for complex injuries of the foot in paediatric patients

Background Complex injuries of the foot in the paediatric population present difficult treatment challenges. While standardised protocols exist for the adult population to achieve an optimal result in the treatment of such injuries, therapy in paediatric patients must be managed without a firm treatment algorithm. Methods Medical records of all patients with a complex trauma of the foot treated at our Department over a period of 13 years were evaluated. A complex trauma of the foot was defined using the scoring system developed by Zwipp et al. (1997). 24 Treatment and outcome were analysed. Additionally, our treatment algorithm of complex injuries of the foot in paediatric patients is presented. Results Twenty-nine patients were included in the study (79% m; 21% f, average age 12.1 years, ranging 2–16 years). Traffic accidents were the most common mechanism ( n = 14; 48.3%), followed by a fall from a height in five patients (17.2%). Lawn mower injuries were found in another 3 patients (10.3%) and other mechanisms of injury in 7 patients (24.2%). The mean score according to Zwipp et al. (1997) 24 was 5.8 points (range 5–8 points). While closed fractures were diagnosed in 20 (69%) patients, 9 patients (31%) presented open fractures. Operative intervention was necessary in 24 patients (82.8%). Fracture stabilisation could be realised using K-wires in 13 cases (54.2%), screws in 3 cases (12.5%) and plate fixation in 1 case (4.2%). Combined techniques including external fixation were applied in another 7 (29.1%) cases. The mean time between injury and latest follow-up examination was 5.7 years (range 13 months to 13 years). The mean functional outcome was 47.6 (29–56) points for the OAFQ, 15.1 (0–69) points for the FFI and 82.3 (59–100) points for the AOFAS Score. Discussion To regard the maxims in treating complex injuries and open fractures in the growing skeleton we developed a simple treatment algorithm for complex foot injuries in order to provide preservation of the soft tissue envelope, avoidance of infection, restoration of the axis and the articular surface. Conclusion A complex trauma of the paediatric foot is a rare and challenging injury. Avoidance of infection, preservation of the soft tissue envelope and fracture healing will provide good functional outcome despite the severity of trauma. Long time follow-up is essential to detect complications.

Morbidity of en bloc resections in the spine

The morbidity of surgical procedures for spine tumors can be expected to be worse than for other conditions. This is particularly true of en bloc resections, the most technically demanding procedures. A retrospective review of prospective data from a large series of en bloc resections may help to identify risk factors, and therefore to reduce the rate of complications and to improve outcome. A retrospective study of 1,035 patients affected by spine tumors-treated from 1990 to 2007 by the same team-identified 134 patients (53.0% males, age 44 +/- 18 years) who had undergone en bloc resection for primary tumors (90) and bone metastases (44). All clinical, histological and radiological data were recorded from the beginning of the period in a specifically built database. The study was set up to correlate diagnosis, staging and treatment with the outcome. Oncological and functional results were recorded for all patients at periodic, diagnosis-related controls, until death or the latest follow-up examination (from 0 to 211 months, median 47 months, 25th-75th percentile 22-85 months). Forty-seven on the 134 patients (34.3%) suffered a total of 70 complications (0.86 events per 100 patient-years); 32 patients (68.1%) had one complication, while the rest had 2 or more. There were 41 major and 29 minor complications. Three patients (2.2%) died from complications. Of the 35 patients with a recurrent or contaminated tumor, 16 (45.7%) suffered at least one complication; by contrast, complications arose in 31 (31.3%) of the 99 patients who had had no previous treatment and who underwent the whole of their treatment in the same center (P = 0.125). The risk of major complications was seen to be more than twice as high in contaminated patients than in non-contaminated ones (OR = 2.52, 95%CI 1.01-6.30, P = 0.048). Factors significantly affecting the morbidity are multisegmental resections and operations including double contemporary approaches. A local recurrence was recorded in 21 cases (15.7%). The rate of deep infection was higher in patients who had previously undergone radiation therapy (RT), but the global incidence of complications was lower. Re-operations were mostly due to tumor recurrences, but also to hardware failures, wound dehiscence, hematomas and aortic dissection. En bloc resection is able to improve the prognosis of aggressive benign and low-grade malignant tumors in the spine; however, complications are not rare and possibly fatal. The rate of complication is higher in multisegmental resections and when double combined approach is performed, as it can be expected in more complex procedures. Re-operations display greater morbidity owing to dissection through scar/fibrosis from previous operations and possibly from RT. The treatment of recurrent cases and planned transgression to reduce surgical aggressiveness are associated with a higher rate of local recurrence, which can be considered the most severe complication. In terms of survival and quality of life, late results are worse in recurrent cases than in complicated cases. Careful treatment planning and, in the event of uncertainty, referral to a specialty center must be stressed.

Management of disc herniations with bi-radicular symptoms via combined lateral and interlaminar approach

Large lumbosacral disc herniations causing bi-radicular symptoms are very rare clinical entities and may present a surgical challenge. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of the simply modified combined lateral and interlaminar approach for the treatment of these unique disc herniations. Between 2000 and 2005, 18 patients with bi-radicular symptoms secondary to large disc herniations of the lumbar spine underwent surgery. There were 13 men and five women, ranging in age between 25 and 64 years (mean 54.3 years). In this three-step operation, the osseous areas that are not essential for the facet joint were removed and both upper and lower nerve roots were decompressed. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, except transient dysesthesia in one (5.5%) patient. The mean follow-up period was 62.6 months (range 36-96 months). At the latest follow-up examination, outcomes using the Macnab classification were excellent in 13 patients (72.2 %), good in four (22.2%) and fair in one (5.5%). Recurrent disc herniations and/or instability, either symptomatic or radiographic, have not occurred as a result of the procedure during the follow-up period. The combined approach described here is a safe and effective procedure in the surgical treatment of this subtype of disc herniations with bi-radicular involvement. It permits optimum decompression of both nerve roots, avoiding the risk of secondary spinal instability.

Modified maze procedure combined with mitral valve surgery via septal-superior approach

Although a septal-superior approach provides excellent exposure of the mitral valve, it requires novel strategies for concomitant ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Utilizing a combination of bipolar radiofrequency and cryothermy, we developed a novel technique for creating a biatrial lesion set via a septal-superior approach during mitral valve surgery. We treated 10 patients with functional mitral regurgitation and permanent atrial fibrillation with rhythm disturbance for a mean 87 months. A modified maze was successfully accomplished via a septal-superior approach in all. The mean follow-up period was 18 months, during which permanent pacemaker implantation was necessary for one due to sinus bradycardia. Sustained sinus rhythm, including atrial or atrial-based paced rhythm, was present in all immediately after surgery, in 70% at discharge, in 80% at 1 year after surgery, and in 90% at the latest follow-up examination. Our novel technique using a modified maze procedure in combination with mitral valve surgery via a septal-superior approach was safe and useful for eliminating atrial fibrillation, with a relatively low frequency of sinus node dysfunction.

Unlinked elbow arthroplasty as primary treatment for fractures of the distal humerus

This study reviews our experience with primary total elbow arthroplasty in the management of acute distal humeral fractures by use of the iBP unlinked elbow prosthesis. We followed up 9 elbows in 9 patients (including 2 with rheumatoid arthritis), with a mean age of 73 years, for a mean of 3.5 years. Functional outcome was assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and the recently developed Liverpool Elbow Score. Clinical examination and radiologic assessment were performed by an independent surgeon. All elbows were stable at the latest follow-up examination, all patients were able to perform daily activities, and pain relief was satisfactory. The median value for the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 95 (range, 65-100). This is the first report of the use of an unlinked prosthesis for the treatment of distal humeral fractures. Our results show that this method of treatment provides a reliable and effective way of dealing with these very difficult fractures when internal fixation is not a viable option.

Indications for free vascularized fibular grafting for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head

BackgroundThe present study aimed to determine the indications for free vascularized fibular grafting for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.MethodsSeventy-one hips (60 patients) were clinically followed for a minimum of 3 years. Average follow-up period was 7 years. Etiologies were alcohol abuse in 31 hips, steroid use in 27, idiopathic in 7 and trauma in 6. Preoperative staging of the necrotic lesion was done using the Steinberg's classification system. The outcomes of free vascularized fibular grafting were determined clinically using the Harris hip-scoring system, radiographically by determining progression, and survivorship by lack of conversion to total hip replacement.ResultsThe average preoperative Harris hip score was 56 points and the average score at the latest follow-up examination was 78 points. Forty-seven hips (67%) were clinically rated good to excellent, 4 hips (6%) were rated fair, and 20 hips (28%) were rated poor. Thirty-six hips (51%) did not show radiographic progression while 35 hips (49%) did, and with an overall survivorship of 83% at 7 years. Steroid-induced osteonecrosis was significantly associated with poor scores and survival rate (68%). Preoperative collapse was significantly associated with poor scores, radiographic progression and poor survival rate (72%). A large extent of osteonecrosis greater than 300 degrees was significantly associated with poor scores, radiographic progression and poor survival rate (67%). There was no relationship between the distance from the tip of the grafted fibula to the subchondral bone of the femoral head and postoperative radiographic progression.ConclusionIn conclusion, small osteonecrosis (less than 300 degrees of the femoral head) without preoperative collapse (Steinberg's stages I and II) is the major indication for free vascularized fibular grafting. Steroid-induced osteonecrosis is a relative contraindication. Large osteonecrosis (greater than 300 degrees) with severe preoperative collapse (greater than 3 mm) is a major contraindication. Hips with 2 negative factors such as severe preoperative collapse and a large extent of osteonecrosis, require hip replacements.

Crossover Replantation of the Foot After Bilateral Traumatic Lower Extremity Amputation

Bilateral traumatic amputation and limb-threatening injury of the lower extremities is more challenging than the unilateral amputation. Successful replantation of both lower extremities has been reported previously. However, orthotopic implantations may not be possible when amputation of both lower limbs with different levels of section and degrees of damage to surrounding tissues occurs. It was reported that the crossover replanted foot in combination with prosthetic limb is better than 2 artificial limbs. Hence, crossover replantation should be considered when anatomic replantation of both lower extremities is not possible as a result of bilateral total or subtotal amputation. To our knowledge, there are few reports about the crossover replantation of the lower extremity in the literature. A 30-year-old engineer being run over by the train had crushed the bilateral lower limbs in different anatomic levels. We decided to perform the crossover replantation of the right foot to the stump of the left leg to provide the patient with at least 1 weight-bearing sensate extremity. At the latest follow-up examination, 30 months after the operation, he had mild pain, especially in toes of the replanted foot. There was no ulceration in both the replanted extremity and the right amputation stump. The sole has maintained complete protective sensation. The patient described the functional result of the reimplanted leg as satisfying and better than the prosthesis that has caused much more problems than the replanted extremity. He had no complaint about the cosmetic result. He stated that he would have the crossover replantation again under the same condition. He was able to return to his previous job. Moreover, he affirmed that he is able to carry on his all social activities as he had done before the accident except for playing football. In conclusion, the possibility of the crossover replantation should be considered while evaluating the patient with bilateral lower limb injuries to allow the patient to stand on their own foot and still touch ground.

Arthroplasty of the Distal Radioulnar Joint Using a New Ulnar Head Endoprosthesis: Preliminary Report

To report our experience using a distal ulnar head endoprosthesis to treat painful disorders of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) secondary to (1) instability and (2) arthrosis. Our experience with over 2 years of follow-up study consists of 19 wrists (17 patients). All patients presented complaining of pain and functional disability of the upper limb due to convergence instability or arthrosis of the DRUJ. The patients were studied prospectively. Thirteen patients had a total of 37 previous wrist or DRUJ surgical procedures. Standardized preoperative and postoperative assessments included a patient-reported pain score, a functional satisfaction score, forearm range of motion, grip strength as a percentage of that of the opposite limb, and clinical and radiographic examinations. The Mayo Wrist Score was calculated before surgery and at the last follow-up period. Overall, pain scores decreased 50%, and functional satisfaction scores improved 3-fold. Average grip strength improved by 4 kg, or 16% from preoperative measurements. Forearm rotation was unchanged. All wrists were clinically stable on the latest follow-up examination. Two failures occurred early, at 7 and 14 months. Currently, all prostheses remain clinically and radiographically stable. Implant arthroplasty of the distal ulna combined with an adequate soft-tissue repair is recommended to improve pain, function, and strength of the wrist and forearm. Prosthetic replacement of the distal ulna restored stability to the DRUJ in patients with partial or complete excision of the ulnar head or DRUJ arthrosis and corrected radioulnar impingement. Incidences of complications or revision surgery to date have been low. Larger clinical and radiographic assessments will be needed to determine the long-term success of distal ulna prosthetic replacement. Therapeutic IV.

Recent clinical comparison of mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasty

To compare the preliminary effectiveness of mobile-bearing prosthesis and fixed-bearing prosthesis by literature review and observation of cases. Ninety-eight knees of 94 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by using cemented and PCL-substitute prosthesis were reviewed from February 2003 to October 2004. The diagnosis of all patients were osteoarthritis. All cases were followed up at least one year. Group A (fixed-bearing prosthesis): 30 knees of 29 patients, 4 males, 25 females, 20 DePuy Prosthesis, 10 Centerpulse Prosthesis. Group B (mobile-bearing prosthesis): 68 knees of 65 patients, 11 males, 54 females, 68 Centerpulse Prosthesis. Make sure statistical comparability between 2 groups by HSS, age and gender, respectively. Postoperation 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, all cases were evaluated according to Hss and self-satisfaction. The grades of Hss in different stage were performed statistical analysis. P value in different stage was 0.414 (6 weeks), 0.108 (3 months), 0.235 (6 months), 0.452 (1 year). There were no significant difference between group A and B in different stage by statistical analysis. In one year after operation, the range of motion in 2 groups, group A: 108 degrees (95 degrees - 118 degrees), group B: 107 degrees (90 degrees - 120 degrees), there were no significant difference by ROM (P > 0.05). At the latest follow-up examination, group A: 13.7% of the patients (4 knee joint) complained mild pain, the percent of the patients' self-satisfaction was 90%; group B: 13.1% of the patients (9 knee joint) complained mild pain, the percent of the patients' self-satisfaction was 88%. Although it is certain about the effectiveness of preliminary clinical outcomes with mobile-bearing prosthesis, it is still uncertain about the advantage of mobile-bearing prosthesis over fixed-bearing prosthesis. The reason for preferring to the former still need being demonstrated.

Efficacy of tonsillectomy pulse therapy versus multiple-drug therapy for IgA nephropathy

We evaluated the efficacy of tonsillectomy plus pulse prednisolone, warfarin, and dipyridamole including methylprednisolone pulse (tonsillectomy plus pulse therapy), versus prednisolone, warfarin, and dipyridamole including mizoribine (PWDM) for the treatment diffuse IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in children. The patients were randomly assigned to be treated by tonsillectomy plus pulse therapy for 2 years (Group A, n=16) or PWDM for 2 years (Group B, n=16). The clinical features and pathological findings in both groups were analyzed prospectively. The mean urinary protein excretion after 6 months of treatment in both groups had decreased significantly compared with pre-therapy. The activity index (AI) in both groups was lower at the time of the second biopsy than at the time of the first biopsy. The chronicity index (CI) in Groups A and B did not differ between the first and second biopsy. At the latest follow-up examination none (0%) of the patients in either group had renal insufficiency. None of the patients in Group A, but six patients in Group B experienced an acute exacerbation of IgAN as a result of tonsillitis (P<0.05). In conclusion, although there was no untreated control group in this study, the results suggested that tonsillectomy plus pulse therapy is as effective as PWDM in ameliorating proteinuria and histological severity in IgAN patients and in preventing acute exacerbation of IgAN by tonsillitis.

Comparison of anterolateral and posterior approaches in the management of thoracolumbar burst fractures

The authors undertook a retrospective cohort study of patients with T11-L2 thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent decompression and the placement of instrumentation via the anterolateral or posterior approach. There were 63 thoracolumbar burst fractures in 45 male and 18 female patients. The instrumentation was placed posteriorly in 25 patients and anterolaterally in 38. The mean follow-up duration after discharge from the hospital was 1.8 years (range 6 months-8 years). The mean preoperative Frankel scores in the anterolateral and posterior groups were 3.7 +/- 1.1 and 3.5 +/- 1.4, respectively (p = 0.4155). Preoperative angular deformity in the anterolateral and posterior groups measured 11.9 +/- 9.7 and 4.1 +/- 7.1 degrees, respectively (p = 0.0007). Postoperatively, angular deformity had been corrected to 2.0 +/- 7.9 and 3.4 +/- 7.5 degrees in both groups, respectively (p = 0.565). The follow-up Frankel scores had improved to 4.2 +/- 0.8 and 4.0 +/- 1.4 (p = 0.461). At the latest follow-up examination, angular deformity had progressed to 4.5 +/- 9.3 degrees in the anterolateral group and to 9.8 +/- 9.4 degrees in the posterior group (p = 0.024). dollar 18,270 +/- 6980), there was no intergroup difference in total cost of hospitalization. Rigid guidelines for the selection of anterior or posterior approaches are lacking. Evaluation of the authors' results and those of others shows that angular deformity is more successfully corrected and maintained when the anterior approach is used.